The latest on California politics and government

December 5, 2011

University of California President Mark G. Yudof has appointed the members of a task force to investigate the UC Davis police department's use of pepper spray on Nov. 18.

The task force, headed by former California Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso, will begin its work after the Kroll Consulting firm completes its investigation by early January, said a statement from Yudof.

"The task force will review the findings and, based on available information, assign responsibility for the events of Nov. 18," Yudof's statement says.

It also says the task force is expected to make recommendations to Yudof and UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi on improving police procedures, command protocols, campus policies and oversight structures.

"My intent in forming this task force is to allow the UC Davis community to take a fair and uncompromising look at what happened on Nov. 18," Yudof's statement says.

Judy Sakaki, vice president, student affairs, UC Office of the President and former vice chancellor for student affairs, UC Davis

Rebecca Sterling, UC Davis undergraduate student and former Associated Students senator, nominated by the Associated Students of UC Davis

The task force's work is one of several investigations taking place into the use of pepper spray on seated protesters. UC Davis and its academic senate are also reviewing the campus police department's response to the Nov. 18 demonstration, and Attorney General Kamala Harris is reviewing a request to look into it as well.